Outreach at TDU
Transdisciplinary research is increasingly recognized as essential for addressing 21st-century challenges that are too complex for any single discipline or sector to solve alone. At TDU, Transdisciplinary research creates new frameworks and solutions by fully merging knowledge, theories, and methodologies from multiple disciplines. This approach involves stakeholders outside of academia including the community, policymakers, and industry experts, to co-produce knowledge and ensure that research outcomes are relevant and sustainable.
The Citizens’ Portal on Medicinal Plants (CPMP), is a collaborative and interactive technology platform for the collection, curation and dissemination of information on medicinal plants, their availability and distributions; the preventive, promotive and curative properties of ingredients, formulations and the various uses and benefits for human, animal and plant health.
TDU’s Ethno-Medicinal Garden features over 1,500 medicinal plant species curated from diverse Indian biogeographical regions. Designed using natural contours, it integrates research facilities with gardens, including water bodies, pergolas, and climber tunnels. Thematic gardens are categorized into plants used in daily life and those of conservation concern, with 46 theme-based plots showcasing rare and red-listed species. Hosting 175 threatened taxa and 500 nursery species, it supports conservation and research. Visitors, including students, doctors, and researchers, explore plant ethnobotany through workshops and an on-site information centre. Backed by experts, it links to a world-class herbarium.
The Food Futures Champions program at TDU encourages the way today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders think about the science of good health.
TDU’s FRLH Herbarium is one of India’s most distinguished repositories dedicated to medicinal plants documented from across the country's diverse bio-geographical zones. Specializing in plants used within the Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM),the herbarium plays a pivotal role in advancing research, education, documentation, and conservation. Officially registered with the New York Botanical Garden and collaborating with KEW Botanical Gardens, the FRLH Herbarium integrates classical taxonomy with modern scientific tools to support accurate plant identification and nomenclature. With a vast collection of over 4,200 medicinal plant species and 60,000 voucher specimens, the herbarium has information on location, vernacular names, habit, geotag and associated cultural knowledge. The facility undertakes research projects on of plant systematics, medicinal plants, conservation, threat assessments, ethnobotany, wild edible plants, trade, pharmacognosy, cecidology studies, trade and training and capacity-building programs. It also provides services related to authentication of medicinal plants students, researchers, industries, and policymakers, the FRLH Herbarium is a national resource committed to safeguarding India’s medicinal plant diversity.
India has a long and rich relationship with medicinal plants—deeply rooted in our traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. But as demand grows and natural habitats shrink, the question arises: How do we ensure that these vital plant species survive for future generations?
The answer lies, quite literally, in the forest. Over the last few decades, India has created a remarkable network of Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs)—protected zones deep within our forests where important medicinal species are allowed to grow, regenerate, and thrive naturally.
India’s healthcare system faces challenges in achieving Universal Health Care, particularly for vulnerable populations. Local Health Traditions (LHTs) offer a culturally rooted alternative, with over a million grassroots healers providing essential services across 3,600 ethnic communities. These traditions encompass herbal medicine, midwifery, and bone-setting, supported by knowledge of 7,500 medicinal plant species. Despite policy endorsements, integration into mainstream healthcare remains limited. TDU champions LHT revitalization through scientific validation and certification programs, collaborating with the Quality Council of India. Over 2,000 practitioners have been certified under the Voluntary Certification Scheme, reinforcing the social legitimacy of village healers.
Imagine walking into a garden where rare and unique trees from across the country thrive side by side. Here, you don’t have to travel deep into forests or across states to witness the beauty of species like Hildegardia populifolia, Commiphora wightii, Chloroxylon swietenia, and Madhuca bourdillonii. These trees, which are difficult to find even in the wild, stand tall here, offering a glimpse into nature’s rich diversity.
To participate in the upcoming walk scheduled for August 31, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, please register here
